Catalogue description Court Book of Assemblies and Hundreds

Numbered '4' and labelled 'Hundred and Sessions Booke from the 5th Jun 10 Eliz to the 4° Oct 28 Eliz. 1581'

The end papers contain notes 'Edward Myddleton, mayor of Wynchelse', some pious phrases, a list of names and, at end, 'Francis Bolton ys A goltehedd'

The contents, as before, normally record elections, town and Cinque Port business, elections of barons to parliament, impanelling of the Grand Jury, acknowledgments of conveyances within the town, recognizances to appear in court, to abide by the provision laws and to keep orderly alehouses, and leases of town property.

The following items have been selected as worthy of special mention:

Folio

1 innkeeper recognizances by Agnes Chapman widow, Maurice Eustace of Winchelsea tippler, Michael Garnsey of Winchelsea tippler and Peter Johnson; 1568

2 hose-recognisances by William Somers, Lewes Burton, John Pirle, tailor Thomas Tamer; 1568

2v Robert Grave of Hastings butcher bound to victual the town; 1568

3 Mr John Love appointed special attorney to attend the sergeants and other learned counsel and exhibit to them 'such greves as this pore town hath Articuled and as shall be thought mete for the better preferment of the same to ease the same of the grete intolerable chargis and burdens unto the same allotted' William Johnson, town clerk, to attend on him. 5 Jul 1568

4 Anthony Hatton has sold to Lawrence Botten his interest in a piece of ground at Monday Market, which AH lately took from the town, rent 18d; 1568

4v bond by John Durrant of Winchelsea yeoman to keep an inn; 1568

5 hospitals let for ten years to William Johnson, as Thomas Spruce held them; 1568

8 recognisances as victuallers by Ann Chapman widow, William Sommer tailor, Lawrence Brigforth mariner, Michael Bessom mariner, Maurice Eustace labourer, (John Legat mariner) and Peter Johnson carpenter; 1569

9v John Simmons licensed as a tippler, victualler and baker; 1569

9v hospital of St John granted to William Appleton for life; 1569

10v Mr Shepherd to judge whether the lease of the hospitals which Robert Jackson claims in the right of William Johnson deceased be valid, or whether it remains in force during the life of Thomas Spruce; 1569

11v William Appleton appointed town clerk, and to have a place of abiding fit for a town clerk; 1570

12v piece of ground in Quarter 1, formerly let to Edward Awood at 3s 4d, to be let to him at 2s 8d for life; his heirs or lessees to pay the full amount; 1570

12 ferry let to Harry Farne for £8 3s 4d

13 testimonial sealed for Mr Thomas Guildford concerning Holy Rood Chapel House or hospital; 1570

13 Harry Phanting, yeoman, licensed to keep a victualling house; 1570

13v both hospitals let to John Pirle; 1570

13v tenement and orchard in Quarter 18, late occupied by Morgan Haselwich (E: land of John Peck; W: Butchery Street; N: land of Harry Barnes; S: land of Philip Lowes) granted to Edmund Milward yeoman at 8s; 1570

15v Decree concerning cattle on the town commons; 30 Apr 1571

16v Edward Middleton, mayor, and Thomas Mayne jurat authorised to go to Canterbury to treat with the Ports in their dispute with the Lord Warden; 10 Jul 1571

19v victualling recognizances: Henry Phanting (3 beds), John Legat and John Simmons (3 each), John Durrant (stable and 3 beds), Ann Chapman widow and Michael Garsee otherwise Bisson; 1571

22 John Pirle's bond to make good candles; 1571

22v-23 Resolutions on a dispute concerning Henry Hull's consignment of 'sacke' detained in Winchelsea; 15, 26 May 1572

24-25v Decree concerning cattle on the town commons; 1 Jul 1572

26 Decree for delivery of a ship to Captain Thomas Dubien to sell to satisfy £34 12s debt; 26 Jul 1572

27 Copy of a royal commission of enquiry addressed to the mayors and bailiffs of the Ports with Letters of Attendance from the Lord Warden to summon a jury to meet the commissioners The subject of the Inquest is not stated; dated 12 Feb 1572, noted and brought to Winchelsea 4 Sep 1572

29 1¼a near St Giles Church, occupied by John Peck, let to JP for 21 years from Sep 1572 at 13s; 1572

29v Decree for holding a market weekly at Winchelsea on Friday, to be held near the Pillory from 9 am to 2 pm, the commons to attend free from arrest, with free standings and free from toll and show-penny; 2 Oct 1572

30 Decree that Jefferye Pirle be disfranchised until he provides proof that he was not of the company of John Crowsen and [blank] Pratt, pirates, who were recently executed; 18 Nov 1572

31v Decree concerning making freemen. Also a decree repealing an act of 7 Apr 1510 against 'speaking approbrius words against the major and juratts' Jefferey Pirle readmitted as freeman [see fo 30 above]; 10 Feb 1573

32 Decree concerning the election of mayors who 'from henceforthe shall always be chosen by all the free men of this town then present any thing to the contrary notwithstanding'; 29 Mar 1573

33v A small boat called the Thomas of Dover, with her tackle, implements and apparel, now in the chamberlains' hands, is sold to John Wigsell for 50s down and 53s 4d on surety; 13 Apr 1573

36 A fine imposed on John Pecke for using persuasion at the mayoral election is remitted as imposed on the testmony of only one man; 5 May 1573

36v John Love, jurat, dismissed for showing a 'naughtie and rebellious Lettre against the Quenes Majestie'; 19 May 1573

38 Decree that Mr Pecke shall at the next Hundred prove his title to the windmill and show how the town was dispossessed thereof; Mr Love to show title to a barn or stable now occupied by Mr Knight and to the shops at the Church Gate; memoranda concerning the conviction before the court of Star Chamber of Godderd Whyte and John Whitefeld concerning a riot; 2 Jun 1573

39 agreed that Mr Robert White may take down an old house belonging to [blank] Bastian of Rye standing right over against the tenement of Thomas Neighbour, and to rebuild it in any place in Winchelsea where he may lawfully do so; 1573

40 Mr Egleston promised that, when a brewer came to the town, he shall have the town brewhouse at 20s to Mr E above the rent, and Mr E to occupy the hopgarden freely during the term; 1573

41 recognizances for ten people newly come to the town; 1573

41v 'An act against Hoggs'; 21 Dec 1573

42 1¼a near St Giles Church sold to John Peck [that let to him on f29] N: piece of ground of JP; 1573

43v 'An act for Cattell'; 25 Apr 1574

46 Decree that the town sergeant shall take a fee gathering the estreats [fines imposed in the town courts];

46v Agreement to sell the hull of a wrecked boat at Strand to John Lake, Henry Fame, William Somers and John Durrant who are to pay salvage money and acquaint the town of Sallage (?) therewith and trade as a boat of Winchelsea only; 10 Jul 1574

47 The aforesaid boat was sold to John Hinde of Botreax Castle, co Cornwall; 24 Aug 1574

47v owners of the claypits, the town dyke against Mr White's field, a barn and stable occupied by Edward Knight, Tinkers Garden, The Horsehead, the house where George Prowde lives and an adjoining house, the house between Lewes Burton's and Mother Chandler's, to show title

47v because the mayor is informed that the windmill at the King's Green belongs to the town, John Peck not to take it down or remove its implements; 1574

48 Covenant by John Hinde of Botreax Castle, Cornwall that the boat he had purchased [f47 above], shall not be sold to any inhabitant of Rye; 24 Aug 1574

50v shops of the town at the Strand let to Thomas Whitfield for 21 years at 13s 4d; 1574

51 John Peck to enjoy mill and adjoining piece at the King's Green, paying 20s a year; additional rent of 10s formerly payable to the churchwardens extinguished; site or hill that the mill stands on to remain unenclosed; JP has agreed to contribute 30s towards a quay or wharf at the Strand when the town sets about it; 1574

52v Decree concerning the buying of bread only from the town victuallers; 21 Dec 1574

53 term of years in two tenements with orchards, gardens etc, lately granted by Thomas Macklyn of Udimore and his wife Rochelle to Alice Raffe, confirmed to George Kingston for five years from 25 Mar 1575 at 18s 0d

54 Robert Peerse jurat may enclose the pendents of the hill from the E end of the dwelling-house of the brewhouse to the W end of a small piece of ground called The Hopgarden; to hold at 12d; RP to lay out a way on the N side of the house of the brewhouse; 1575

54v Decree that victuallers buy beer only from the town brewer; 29 May 1575

54v land adjoining court-house granted to Goddard White at 2s 0d above the queen's rent of 7½d; he has held it of the town by lease for many years [?WIN/51 f39 to Nicholas W], reserving to the town a very small piece of ground lying to the N door of the freeman's house containing in breadth from the door Northward 9½ feet and in length E and W 27 feet all these measurements over erasures 'by reason of wrong information'; 1575

55 John Peck to pay town's rent of 20s for the mill at the King's Green to William Eglesden for 10½ years according to the town's grant to WE of the same day; this in return for WE's surrender of a lease of the town brewhouse and adjoining land; 1575

57 house and land where Rockley late lived granted to Andrew Sonne at 32s 0d; to repair it within a year; 1575

58 town victuallers: Katherine Fanting widow, John Simmons, John Legatt, Joan Griffin widow, [blank] Garnsey widow, John Durrant, Abel Standen and Richard Philpot; 1575

59 Permission granted to Francis Bolton to sell the stone lying on his ground commonly called Collyn Cortys house, lately bought of Goddard White; 5 Jul 1575

59v Memorandum that Roger Wells, parson of Winchelsea has agreed to repair the chancel of the church which is ruinous on pain of 20s; 5 Jul 1575

62v-63 Decrees concerning the laying of an assessment on the town for payment of debts; 1 Sep 1575

63v An act for preventing agricultural activity in the streets; 1 Sep 1575

65 Francis Bolton and Katherine Fanting widow allowed to be drawers of wine; 1565

67 Mr Shepherd late counsel is dead; John Boys appointed; 1575

67v Question raised as to the right of Henry Pecke to take down bridges in the marshes. Exemplification of an inquisition at Winchelsea dated 24 May 1545 bearing on this. Bounds of the manor of Iham given. Mr John Pecke returned 'the old roll and such other presydentes' as were lent to him on going to London; 30 Nov 1575

68v Order to repair the bridges plucked down; 30 Nov 1575

69 Adam Moyle appointed a victualler; 1575

69v Deputation to 7 members to make an act 'as touching the making of free men hereafter to have adventure to the sea'; 21 Dec 1575

70v Memorandum by Francis Bolton, recorder, concerning the proceedings in a plea of debt between William Firrell of Rye and Thomas Grene of Winchelsea which led to an action of withernam against Winchelsea on the defendant's escape from the town gaol; 1575-6

72 consent that the Cooks Green may be made level by such as are disposed thereto, and that it may be enclosed for a year and no longer; 13 Apr 1576

72v The Buttclose granted to John Milward, mayor, at 3s 4d; news pair of butts to be made; 13 Apr 1576

73 statement by Henry Peck of Winchelsea yeoman on behalf of John Love of Winchelsea merchant that the shops at the Church Gate were granted by the town to one Hincksted, and written by George Lowes who told HP; 1576

73-4v An act requiring all future freemen to invest in merchant shipping or the fishery to prevent complete decay of the maritime trade of Winchelsea; 1 Jan 1576

75 motion requiring loans of money to enable the decayed state of Winchelsea to be brought before parliament with list of contributors; 2 Feb 1575

79 grant of the house, backsides and appurtenances called the Horsehead to Thomas Whitfield at 26s 8d; TW must build it and keep it repaired to be a dwelling-house; 1576

79 house between the house of Lewes Burton and the house of Mother Chandler granted to Robert Davison at 16s 0d; 1576

81 depositions that the mayor of Rye came down with a boat into Winchelsea water and carried off five men for the queen's service without any commission; 8 May 1576

87 licence to John Peck to enclose the windmill hill square with the little piece of ground he has there of the town, making two gates for horses and wains on either side of the mill; 1577

Record of the delivery of Hugh Wigge, a prisoner captured by hue and cry in Winchelsea, to the constables of Brede to be passed from constable to constable until he reach Benenden in Kent, where the felony of which he stands accused was committed; 21 Dec 1576

88v small house and garden at the Strand where Thomas Bodell's widow and William Virsby live (EWNS: streets), let to John Simmons for 21 years at 10s 0d; 1577; see f94v

89 town releases right to Philip Durrant in two pieces of ground near the Stone Mill late occupied by Edmund Hartwell, rent 2s 0d; 1577

91 victuallers: seven named; 1577

93v An act concerning cattle; May 1577

94v because clear that the small house [as f88v] belongs to John Burgess of Compton in Sussex yeoman and his wife Elizabeth, sister and heir of William Wheatley deceased [earlier tenant of the town brewhouse], possession delivered to them; 1577

96-7 Copy of a decree dated 24 Oct 1562 concerning a dispute over the possession of the marshes between Sir John Guldeford and the town of Winchelsea, granting him as much land within the walls as assigned by former sovereigns, the King's Green and the vacant places in the town

98 Order concerning the newly built bridge at Dynsdale and a new footway to be laid out through the fresh marshes to Dynsdale and to the castle and the sea side, commencing from Fysshers docket; 21 Dec 1577

99 Decree concerning the regulation of the town ferry; 11 Mar 1578

99v grant to Thomas Whitfield of the shops at the Strand which he leases, and a messuage and backsides called The Horsehead, at 33s 4d; 1578

100 hospitals let to Thomas Brett for 21 years; 1578

100v John Boys [town counsel] to decide title to the shops at the Church Gate between Mr Love and the town; 1578

101v house between those of Mother Chandler and Lewes Burton granted to William Somers at 12s; 1578

101v two houses, orchards, gardens and backsides, occupied by George Prowde and Davy ap Nicholas, granted to Thomas Whitfield at 16s 2d; 1578

101v Licence to Francis Bolton to enclose 8 feet in breadth against his house at Pipewell, to extend no further than the length of his house, at 4d; 1578

102v-103 Resolution that six freemen of Winchelsea summoned to attend before the royal commissioners in piracy sitting at Rye on 7th Apr shall not attend. Also copy of the letters of summons from the Lord Warden, dated 20 Mar requiring the presence of Francis Bolton, John Standen and Robert Perse together with others to hear the charges against them; 6 Apr 1578

104v Case concerning dispute over the Fysher Docke between the corporation and William Egleston on behalf of Henry Guldeford; 27 Apr 1578

105 memorandum that 29 Apr a roll of ancient record was delivered to Francis Bolton town clerk to be surveyed and redelivered when it shall be demanded'; 29 Apr 1578

106v seven victuallers; 1578

107 appointees to value hops which have lain long in the storehouse say they are worth nothing but not worth removing them from the storehouse; 1578

107 Lawrence Botting bound to make good candles; 1578

108v Resolution concerning charges on the ferry; 1 Jul 1578

109 Order to enquire into the title to the shops at the church gate; 1 Jul 1578

109v Thomas Crook claims the brewhouse as a chantry house under an act of E6, as TC's letter to the tenant Mr Perse makes clear; to be defended by the town; 1578

110 order to enquire into the title to the Brewhouse; 16 Aug 1578

110v proclamation to show title to the claypits and why they should not be laid open to the commons; why the town dyke against Bartholomew Field should not be laid open to the town; why the town dyke against Holy Rood Field should not be laid open to the town commons; 1578

111 Disfranchisement of freemen for non-compliance with the act for adventuring at sea (fos 73-4 above); 21 Oct 1578

112-2v Orders concerning the right of way beyond the ferry, in dispute with Henry Pecke; 18 and 28 Nov 1578

113 Further memoranda on the same; Dec 1578

114v proclamation to show why Tinkers Garden should not be laid open to the commons; same for an orchard and piece of ground occupied by Christopher Mockett, gt, late Helyard; 1578

117 proclamation for Clay Pits opposed by Francis Bolton for Mr Guildford, under age; 1579

120 Edmund Milward of Winchelsea yeoman to serve town with good candles; Drew Tree of Winchelsea, butcher, to be town butcher; 1579

120v five victuallers; 1579

121 Order setting forth the four days upon which the 'Hundreds serving for the quarter Sessions of this towne' are to be held, as before this time they have been very uncertain; 10 Jul 1579

122 two Breton ships in the Puddle; 1579

124v Order for the mayor and jurats to wear gowns in court; 6 Oct 1579

129 claim to small piece of land and an orchard, late Helyard's widow, late escheated, by the heirs of Edward Brickenden; 1580

130 Resolution to retain Mr Pelham of Battle as the town's counsel at 20s yearly, if he is not retained against the town; 23 Feb 1580

131 proclamation for a messuage and the backsides late Traimter's heirs; 1580

131v field and orchard late Helyard's widow, and Tinker's Garden, granted to Thomas Fane gt for 54s 0d; 1580

132 a lane along under Holy Rood Field, ie between HR Field and Pewes Pond and other adjoining land, let to Thomas Walter for 7 years at 3s 0d; 1580

132 Wood in town dyke between Newgate and the N end of Bartholomew Field sold to John Lake for 21s; 1580

133 Licence to Henry Pecke to carry goods out of the town on 'shod wheeles', any ordinance to the contrary notwithstanding; 10 Apr 1580

135 small piece of unenclosed land S of his land and ground at Pennyles Bench granted to Francis Bolton at 2d; 1580

135v three victuallers; licence to John Payne butcher to kill and sell meat at his house where he lives near Watchbell Gate; 1580

141v proclamation for a small piece of land at the E head of the house where Davison's widow lives, coming to the town by escheat; 1580

141v proclamation for a small piece of land between the house occupied by William Cheesman and the house occupied by Davison's widow; 1580

141v proclamation for a piece of land called Ydlies coming to the town by escheat; 1580

142 Order concerning the collection of the Queens rent, or rent of assize; 28 Jun 1580

144 Resolutions concerning the breaking (or repeal) of the act for freemen adventuring at sea. This was finally repealed at the following Hundred (fo 147v); 8 Aug 1580

147 proclamation for two pieces of land late Martin's, claimed as escheat; 1580

147v repeal of act passed 13 Apr 1576 that every freeman should adventure £10 twice a year on the sea in merchandise or fishing; 1580

149 Thomas Tokey and Edmund Barham claim Ydlies; Ashburnham Peck son of John Peck deceased claims land late Martin's; 1581

150 grant to Francis Bolton at 4d of that part of the lane between Cooks Green and the Fishers Street which is against the land which he occupies of [Mr Love deleted] Mr White; 1581

150 grant to Edward Wood at 4d of another part of the above, against the land of the heirs of Durkin; 1581

152 three victuallers; 1581

152v Decree imposing a duty of 2d per ton on iron laden in Winchelsea, with a remission of half to ships of freemen; 9 Apr 1581

A cow pasture granted to Roger Wells, parson of Winchelsea free and gratis 'by reason of his povertye and charge of children'; 9 Apr 1581

155 Order for amendment of the road to Pannell bridge; 27 Jun 1581

155 licence to Mr White to carry any stones or rubbish to mend the highway; 1581

158v Order permitting the use of vehicles with shod wheels prior to Michaelmas (29 Sep); 6 Sep 1581

159 Decree concerning constitutional trouble among the jurats, during the mayoralty of Robert Perse; 6 Sep 1581

159v seize land formerly granted to Thomas Whitfield for non-payment of rent; 1581

160 Order that the town clerk shall hereafter enter in a fair book all the acts of the Brotherhood house and of all Guestlings, enroll all Hundreds in parchment, enter the chamberlains accounts and the inquisitions for eating of flesh, enroll all presentments of the Grand Jury in a book and keep copies of all letters material on a file; his fee to be increased to £5 6s 8d per annum; 13 Sep 1581

161 notice to be given to John Edwards for non-payment of rent on houses, shops and land; 1581

161v Field, orchard and garden called Saverys Field and Tinker's Garden granted to Christopher Mockett gt at 50s; 1581

162 grant to James Lewes [later called of Winchelsea bricklayer] for life of so much land at the Strand by the Fishers Quay near the land occupied by John Whitfield as amounts to 40 square feet, to build a lime-kiln; rent 2s 6d; 1581

163 The fines of £5 incurred by Edward Myddleton and Godderd White for refusing to serve as jurats are mitigated to 50s each on the request of the Lord Warden; 25 Oct 1581

166v small piece of land (between the land of Mr White and the land which John Standen lately bought from George Golding and his wife), lately occupied by William Cheesman deceased, granted to William Fisher at 13s 4d; 1582

166v shops at the Strand and land belonging, sometime Thomas Whitfield, granted to Adam Moyle at 10s; 1582

167 two houses sometime Thomas Whitfield, near the house of Robert Croude, granted to Christopher Mockett gt at 20s 6d; Philip Durrant to receive the rent until 25 Mar and then leave it; 1582

167 tenement and adjoining orchard and backside called The Horsehead granted to Francis Bolton at 23s 0d; 1582

167 small piece at the W head of Mr White's house where Robert Davison lately lived, and the vault under the same, granted to Thomas Swallow at 2s 0d; to do nothing that may decay the vault; 1582

167v storehouse with its land let for two years at 6s 8d to Mr [Thomas] Fane; 1582

167v anyone holding of the town by fee farm to renew their grants or else they be void; 1582

168v-9 Memorandum of the testing of weights and measures by the mayor as clerk of the market with a list of the town weights and those of 16 others tried and sealed; 11 Jan 1582

171 Order to pay 'selected' men of the township; 27 Mar 1582

171 John Standen claims the land which William Fisher lately hired; 1582

173 Order for paving the Watchbell Causeway, at the corporation's expense and the owners of property adjoining both sides of the street from Mr Mayor's corner [Edward Middleton, mayor] to the Watchbell Gate to pave the gutter or channel of the street at their own charge; 8 May 1582

173v The act against victuallers buying beer from any but the town's brewers is repealed; 29 May 1582

176 coroner's inquest on Robert Morrell of Winchelsea, yeoman; suicide in his bedroom in the house of Christopher Mockett gt; inventory includes 50 quarters of wool (£8), 96 sheep and 27 lambs (£28), 2 mares, a colt and a cow (£3 13s 4d) and a lease of two house in Winchelsea and certain marshland, held of John Ashburnham gt by lease for 5 years of 1581; 1582

177 lease mentioned in f 171, which is said to be of part of the demesnes of Iham, assigned to William Somers for £7 13s 4d; covenant not to assign to non-resident; 1582

The following section has been used for the enrollment of deeds and is headed: The records of all fines, recoveries and such like within the town of Winchelsea from the time of John Peck mayor the fourth time of his mayoralty and in the 12th year of the reign of our sovereign lady Elizabeth & so forward.

179 Feoffment from John Pettit of Warbleton, yeoman, and his wife Mary to John Whitfild of Winchelsea, jurat

A messuage and a close in Winchelsea St Thomas lying in the 6th quarter, having the tenement and lands of the donee, late of Thomas Babb on the S, the street on the W, a way by the town wall on the E and the tenement and lands of the heirs of Thomas Egliston and Margaret Standlye, widow, on the N; now in the occupation of Thomas Paule.

Certificate that Mary was examined by the corporation for proof of consent and the town seal attached; signed W Appleton; 21 Feb 1570

179v Feoffment from William Eglisden, jurat, to John Symon, yeoman, both of Winchelsea. Consideration: 'a certain sum of money'.

A messuage and garden with a quay and wharf pertaining to it called Morfotts Seller, lying at the Strand at the foot of Winchelsea Hill (montem) on the S part, (having a stream called 'the flowing watercourse of the haven of Winchelsea' on the N the lands of Goddard White on the E, the lands of the heirs of John Fowler on the W), which WE acquired with other lands from Thomas Broune of Westbecheworth [Betchworth] in Surrey, esq.

Certificate that WE's wife Margaret was examined; signed W Appleton; 29 Aug 1570

180 Feoffment from Thomas Chilwell of Winchelsea, fisherman, and his wife Lea (sister and coheir of Philip Smithe, deceased, son and heir of Henry Smith, late of Winchelsea) to Richard Frenche of Rye

A moiety of all the lands, tenements and shops in Winchelsea following:

1 Lands and tenements called Blackefriers now in the tenure of John Love, merchant,

2 field called Connyfild (6a) having the street on the W, The King's Green and The Milbanke on the N, town lands on the S and E

3 Two plots of land called Chesmans Crofte and Paradice (2a) Lying together having Pooklane on the W, Crokidacre on the N, the street leading to Pewes on the S and E,

4 A plot of land called Sogges acre having the Crokid acre on the S and W Budge lane next Betmorris on the N,

5 Two shops at The Strand, now or late in the tenure of John Love

Certificate that Lea was examined; signed W Appleton; 2 Mar 1571

180v Feoffment from William Collens and his wife Elizabeth to John Durone, all of Winchelsea:

1 messuage in St Thomas the Apostle in the 19th quarter of Winchelsea having the lands of Roger Benson on the E, the lands and tenements of Thomas Holden on the W and N and the street on the S

2 piece of land Lying in the 18th quarter, having the street on the E, the lands of the heirs of George Lowes on the W and N, and the lands of the heirs of Edward Scrase on the S,

3 piece of land (1½a) in The Hilly fild, having the street on the W, N and E and the lands of the Hospital of St John the Baptist on the S

which all once belonged to Robert Holden of Winchelsea and by his will were left to his then wife Elizabeth, now Elizabeth Collens; 16 May 1555

181 Feoffment from Anne Larke, widow, to Edmund Mylward, both of Winchelsea:

Two tenements and gardens in Winchelsea St Thomas, one in the 18th quarter having the land of Goddard Foster on the N, the land of the heirs of George Lowes on the E and S, the street on the W, the other lying in the 19th quarter having the street on the E and N, the lands of John Pecke on the S and the lands of the heirs of John Lowes on the W.

Witnesses to sealing and livery: Godderd White, Edward Myddleton, Richard Mylls Edward Wills, John Davyson; 10 May 1567

Certification of copy by Francis Bollton recorder of Winchelsea May 1579

181v Quitclaim; parties and property as in preceding deed; 16 May 1567

182 Continuation of the record of court business; Aug 1582

182v Memorandum that this day there came to Winchelsea William Wright with royal letters patent to ask the devotion of the people of Kent and Sussex because his tongue had been cut by enemies in Lincolnshire, who was examined by the mayor and jurats and by the diligence of Christopher Mokett was found to be a counterfeit rogue, whereupon he and his letters patent were despatched to the Lord Chancellor; 2 Sep 1582

183 Resolution to inform Mr Culpeper and Mr Levett, Justices of the Peace at Battle, that the inhabitants of the town will contribute to the tax for Her Majesty's provision on lands outside the liberty and that the town will collect the tax within the liberty; 8 Sep 1582

184 proclamation for the pendents near Watchbell Gate, lately occupied by Thomas Standen; 1582

184 piece of land at the backside of the house where William Fisher lives let to Philip Durrant for a year at 10s; 1582

184v Timber from the old bridge over the Dynsdale river ordered to be sold to the mayor, Edward Middleton, saving sufficient for a footbridge; 2 Oct 1582

185 Mr White brought [?for confirmation] indentures for the marsh near the ferry, for ground near the court house, for tenements at the Strand late French; Henry Wood brought one for a house late French lately granted to Andrew Sonne [?1575]; 1582

186 bond by Thomas Wood of Winchelsea surgeon, illiterate, not to offer victuals for sale at his house; 1582

191 plot 6 x 3 at the Fishers Green granted to Adam Moyle for a chimney for the shops which he holds of the town by fee farm; void if he does not build one; 1583

191 Order to lay the bridge to Dynsdale through the marshes and from thence to the Shiphouse; 22 Jan 1583

191v [Christopher] Mockett to have a new lease of the pendents near the Watchbell Gate for the number of years yet to come under the old lease to George Lowes; 1582

191v Philip Durrant may set posts all the length of his house near the Stone Mill to support a penthouse, of sufficient breadth to save the stairs of the vault from the rain; 1583

192 bonds by John Morley of Winchelsea weaver and David ap Nicholas of Winchelsea brewer; 1583

192v Order to enclose Cookes greene for a sporting ground; 26 Mar 1583

193 Order for the town's stock of money to be kept by the mayor, a jurat and a commoner duly elected; 26 Mar 1583

195v Decree reforming the election of the mayor's and town's sergeants and specifying their duties; 14 Apr 1583

195v Order that the courthall for holding all manner of pleas shall be made beneath in the old place where the same hath been in times past, to be done and built in such sort as to the discretion of the mayor and jurats shall seem good; entry marginated: Order for building the old court hall; 14 Apr 1583

196v Order for 12 lb of gunpowder to be supplied by the corporation for the exercise of shot in this town; 2 May 1583

199v Henry Earl age 12 son of Joan Earl a poor woman of Winchelsea apprenticed to John Ashburnham of Winchelsea gt; 1583

200 licence to mayor William Morley esq to set out his chimney 2½ feet into the street at his house in Quarter 13, which land granted to him at 4d; 1583

200v storehouse at Strand let for 7 years at 6s 8d to Thomas Fane jurat; 1583

201 Bartholomew Field (2a), once belonging to the hospital of St Bartholomew, let to Francis Bolton for 21 years at 10s to the collector of the poor; 1583

201 lane in Quarter 12 once granted to Francis Bolton and Lewes Burton let to Adam Moyle for 21 years at 8d; 1583

201 part of lane in Quarter 6 formerly granted to William Egleston now granted to Robert Tokey at 4d; 1583

202 piece near Monday Market and piece near the Pound let to Lawrence Botting for 21 years at 22d; 1583

205 Goddard White grants permission for the town to put buttresses on his land near the court house for the better strengthening thereof, without accusation of trespass to be had against the workmen or surveyors; 1583

207v Copy of a return made by the corporation to a mandate from the Lord Warden concerning the liberties of the Cinque Ports and the right to hold Chancery jurisdiction in St James's Church, Dover; 4 Sep 1583

209 Order for James Thetcher, mayor, and Mr Moyle, jurat to provide entertainment at the town's expense at the intended visit of the Lord Warden a feast to be provided in the house of Mr Love; 10 Sep 1583

209v Order for the amendment of the causeway from Watchbell gate to the Strand and to Dynsdale bridge; 15 Sep 1583

210 Memorandum concerning the proceedings of [Anthony Browne] Lord Montague, [William Brooke, Lord Cobham] the Lord Warden and [Thomas Sackville] Lord Buckhurst on their visit to Rye and Winchelsea; Cobham refused to visit Winchelsea and rode past through St Leonards, but Buckhurst and Montague did come up to the town; it was surmised that Cobham was displeased because Winchelsea had refused to attend at St James in Dover; 1583

211 town dyke from Newgate all the length of Bartholomew Field let to Francis Bolton for 21 years at 20d; 1583

211 Thomas Standen and John Durrant claim land near Watchbell Gate; 1583

211 proclamation for town dyke against Holy Rood Field in Mr Ashburnham's possession; against lands of Mr White Mr Love and Edmund Weekes; 1583

211v proclamation for piece late John Sylton on the backside of the house where John Whitfield lives; 1583

210 An act for the summary recovery of debts under 6s 8d; 1 Oct 1583

213 Lord Montague to be asked for a lease of his unenclosed and unlet fresh and salt marsh near the ferry or within the limits of Petty Iham; 1583

213v claim by Thomas Standen for the pendents by Watchbell Gate: shows grant from town to Maurice Eustace at 5s 6d, 4 Jan 1567, ME granted to him; town accepts it; 1583

216 salt marsh at the Strand (W: land of Henry Peck; E: Robert Perse's land) granted to RP at the same rent as John Pirle held it; 1584

216 Order for £20 to be allowed for the repair of the church; 7 Jan 1584

219 proclamation for three pieces in Quarter 9 on W side of the house where Thomas Swallow lives in the possession of Mr White; 1584

219 proclamation for piece in Quarter 15 in possession of Mr White; 1584

219 proclamation for piece near the house where Andrew Sone lives, belonging to St Johns Hospital; 1584

219v Lord Montague's tenant Thomas Martin to be ejected from the pendents and fresh and salt land at Strand which he occupies; 1584

219v small piece near Monday Market, once granted to Mr Love, granted to [blank] Rockley widow at 12d; 1584

219v land in Quarter 3 and Quarter 4 held by John Love confirmed to him at present rent; 1584

220 Timothy Wooland of Winchelsea cooper appointed a victualler; 1584

222v Order for a rate to be levied to provide £30 for the repair of St Thomas's church; 3 May 1584

223 town's houses at the church gate to be converted into a market place; margins says market house; 1584

223v iron distrained for duty for the storehouse to be valued; 1584

225v dyke against Holy Rood Field and against a small piece of land near to the Horseshoe let to Francis Bolton for 23 years at 5s 0d, reserving wood and rights of way; 1584

225v dyke against a piece of land near Budge Lane, occupied by Edmund Weekes, let to Ashburnham Peck for 21 years at 2s 8d, footway to the lands of the manor of Icklesham reserved; 1584

225v at the petition of Richard Vincent, the town's claim to Siltons respited until the queen's ward Thomas Tompson come of age; 1584

226 town dyke against two pieces of Goddard White, both N and S of the road from Winchelsea to Icklesham, granted to Edward Middleton at 3s 8d; rights of way reserved; 1584

226 town dyke against Mr Love's land on the N side of the road from Winchelsea to Icklesham granted to Philip Durrant at 20d; right of way for those that have the dyke against the land of Edmund Weekes [later entry calls this near Pook Lane]; 1584

226 Budge Lane to be laid open; 1584

226v piece of land near the house of John Standen where Thomas Cobb lives to be laid open; 1584

227 proclamation for messuage and three pieces occupied by Robert Edsam, sometime Robert Coppledike; claimed by Robert Hunt and by John Durrant at next court; 1584 [f243 says this is in Quarter 4]; RH shows deeds by which this was sold to his father Goddard Hunt; JD shows an enrolled award by which RC should have enfeoffed JD's father, but unknown if anything was done; town withdraws claim; 1584

228v four victuallers; 1584

231v Order that the 33 pieces of evidence and 5 charters which were delivered to James Thetcher, deputy mayor, Mr Fane, Mr Middleton and Francis Bollton, town clerk, for perusal in consultation with Mr [Herbert] Pelham concerning the title to town lands, be folded and put into 3 baskets or caskets and returned to the town chest. Francis Bolton further ordered to search the records in London for evidence on this matter; 26 Aug 1584

233 Decree that no cattle be impounded except in the common pound; 2 Sep 1584

235 Goddard White claims 3 pieces in Quarter 9 on the W end of his house occupied Thomas Swallow; 1584 [f242 shows deed of 1 Mary that the land was then vacant and that GW had them by disseisin, town recovers]; 1584

235v GW and Edmund Weeks in right of his wife both claim small piece in Quarter 15; 1584 [f242v GW shows a deed of land in Quarter 15 by John Lowes, saying this is part; EW by witnesses that the land was once owned by his father-in-law Watts, father of his wife Mary, and that Philip Lowes, who had authority to let the land of John Lowes, refused to let this bit, saying it belonged to Edmund Weeks; town ceases claim; 1584]

235v GW claims land near house where Andew Sone lives; 1584 [f243 claims his father died seised; Francis Bolton says he's seen deeds bounding Sone's house (S: land of St John Hospital); 1584; f244v adjudged to town; 1585; let to Philip Dence at 5s 0d for as long as Britt's lease of the hospital has to run; 1585]

236 proclamation for 3 tenements or pieces of land in Quarter 19 (E,S: road; N: land once Marian Holden; W: land once Gilbert Johnson); 1584 [f248v claim by Adam son of Goddard White; 1585; shows deed from Robert Holden to GW of this and other land, 1564; on behalf of town shown that Sir Edward Guildford as bailiff seized the tenements and granted them to Marian Holden to hold of him in chief, from whom RH claimed as heir; claimed for town that it and not bailiff entitled to do so; 1585]

236 shops and ground at Strand assigned by Adam Moyle to Thomas Egleston; 1584

236v Orders for levying a rate for the provision of gunpowder and the purchase of a drum from Angel Shawe, at 40s or cheaper if possible for the town's use; 6 Oct 1584

237 grant to William Morley of 2½ feet into the street in Quarter 12 where his house where he lives stands, and as much in length from the N end of his kitchen chimney to the S end of his stone wall there, at 8d; he may also set a buttress 2½ feet into road between the N end of the house and the N end of the kitchen chimney; 1584

237 12d allowed to Thomas Walter for a turret of stone which the town has occupied; 1584

237v Resolution concerning the Lord Warden's mandate to elect his nominees to parliament; 30 Oct 1584 [because this case shows the extent of influence in the parliamentary franchise it has been noted, but the regular elections of members recorded in the Hundred and Assembly Books have not been listed here. A list of them appears in WIN/435]

238 Election of Herbert Pelham for the town and Giles Fletcher, doctor of civil law, by mandate, to be members of parliament; 3 Nov 1584

239 Enrolled copy of the testament and will of Thomas Bryers of Winchelsea St Thomas, 25 Apr 1543, proved at Lewes [26 Feb 1579 - W/A1, p 6]

240 Feoffment from Joan Bryers (daughter and heir of Thomas Bryers of Winchelsea, deceased), in consideration of her intended marriage to Laurence Bottinge, to Goddard White and Hugh Myddleton, jurats of Winchelsea, in trust for LB and JB and their heirs in tail, remainder to LB

All her lands and tenements, rents, etc in Winchelsea

W to sealing and livery: William Egleston, mayor, Robert Shepperd of Peasmarsh, John Love and James Glasbye; certified copy signed Francis Bollton, recorder of Winchelsea; 12 Jun 1559

240-lv Appointment of a town herdsman or Looker to the pasturage, with full statement of his fees and duties; 12 Nov 1584

242-3 hearing of proof of title to various town lands; 1 Dec 1584

244v Order to amend Dynsdale bridge and the footpath over the salts to it; 12 Jan 1585

244v Thomas Fane gt allowed to be the baker for this town; 12 Jan 1585

245 two houses once Thomas Eglestone granted to John Page of Pevensey at 13s 4d; 1585

245 three pieces in Quarter 9 granted to James Thatcher esq at 20s 2d; 1585

245v green wall outside Newgate let to Francis Bolton for 21 years at 4d; 1585

245v the chamber over the market place at the church gate let to John Pirle jurat for 5 years at 6s 8d; earlier he's been licensed to be a purveyor of corn; 1585

245v pencil draft of architectural mouldings

246 Resolution to treat with the royal officials concerning alleged concealed lands in Winchelsea; 18 Jan 1585

246v Edmund Milward deceased; custody of children to EM's brother John, who is to have profits of a messuage, backside and orchard in Quarter 18, and a lease for 50 years made by [Thomas Sackville] Lord Buckhurst to EM of lands and tenements in W; 1585

246 Memorandum that the deeds of the heirs of Edmund Mylwarde, town wards, were delivered into the town chest and sealed in a 'forcer'; 23 Jan 1585

249 small piece of pendents, at the S end of those which Christopher Mockett occupies, let for 21 years to Ashburnham Peck at 7s; 1585

249 dyke against land of Goddard White, once granted to Edward Middleton who is dead and was never seised, granted to Francis Bolton for 21 years at 5s 8d

249v Mr Love fined as the W end of his house stands on the town's land; granted to him at 12d; 1585

253 six victuallers; 1585

253 Sentence passed on John Black, who in company with William Black, Eustace Gadberry and John Payne in the night did pull down the fort on the King's Green 'whereby the exercise of martial causes hath been much hindered'; JP is now dead; 25 Apr 1585

255 'The names of the books delivered to be carried to London and of other records delivered for the purpose::

Inprimis the white book

Item the red book

Item one book of courts and hundred

Item an other hundred book

Item the book of presentments of juries

Item the extent

Item two old rolls

Item two files of pleas shone of Mr [William] Morlye's time [1583-84] the other of Mr [Anthony] Stapley's time [1584-85]

Item the books of entries of pleas

The books were required as evidence in the suit then depending in the court of Exchequer concerning concealed lands. Numerous entries at this period refer to the defence of this action; nd, [1585]

257 The act for making freemen made 10 Feb 1573 is here repealed and the ancient practice reintroduced; 2 Jun 1585

257v Ordered that £150 be borrowed to pay the composition agreed with Thomas Talbot and Peter Smyth, claimants of concealed lands leased to them by the Queen; 11 Jun 1585

258 Thomas Fane the younger appointed town clerk; 20 Jun 1585

259 List of the town's records delivered up by the late town clerk Francis Boulton to be put in the town chest. This is a much fuller list than that on fo 255 above. It includes besides those 'the mayor's proclamation, the book of 32 acts, the book containing chamberlaines' accounts, one book wherein the charter and custumal is written albeit not truly; 26 files for those 13 years which he hath served; one little book containing the oaths of officers which he himself made'; 29 Jun 1585

260v The act for making freemen [see fo 257 above], reimposed; 20 Jul 1585

261v Order to sell fee farm rents, 3 Aug 1585:

Tinkers Garden and Saverys Field William Burdett £30 10s

The Horsehead Thomas Cobb, carpenter, £13 6s 8d

The shops which Thomas Egleston has TE, £5

Two houses near Crouds which Mr Mockett has Mr M, £10 15s

20s a year out of the mill John Ashburnham £8 3s 4d

13s 2d a year out of Mr Pirle's land JP, £8

these are sales of the reversions and so the purchasers either receive the rents or extinguish them

263v Henry Wood [see 1582] surrenders fee-farm of house land Andew Sone; town to make it wind and water-tight; 1585

263v to be sold:

St Johns Hospital

The Brewhouse: rent of £5 reserved on fee-farm to Robert Peerse sold to Mr Fane for £73

The house which Henry Wood lives in sold + land to Francis Bolton for £20 6s

Two houses by Croudes which Mr Mockett has in fee farm

Tinkers Garden and Saverys Field

267v-8 Orders concerning the defence to the town's title to lands recovered from Goddard White. Further list of town records produced in this cause which include besides some specified on fos 255 and 259 above, 'The book of great inquests, The accounts in the time of Edward IV, one charter under the broad seal for the dyking and walling of the town of Winchelsea, a deed of Thomas Larkin of two acres of land to the hospital of St John, 15 Aug 1399; 25 and 26 Mar 1586

271 Memorandum of the return of the records listed on f267-8 above; 19 Apr 1586

276 Robert Tokey licensed to carry 20 tons of stones out of Winchelsea; 1586

276 A further list of records taken to Ashford in defence of a suit against Goddard White. These include 'The white parchment book, the white hundred book, the book of great requests, the now hundred book; seven rolls of accounts...., the red hundred book; 7 Jul 1586

276v land-dispute with Goddard White to be arbitrated by William Lambard and William Partridge at Ashford; 1586

280v small piece in The Butchery belonging to heirs of William Cheesman let to Richard Wibly for 10 years at 6s 8d; 1586